Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1887-12-14
SETH7S ELEPHANT.
How He Found TIA Sketch
With q Moral.

age Of eight-and-twenty he had estab-
lished himself in business. Before tina,
he had been clerk and salesman in the
principal store of the town-a common
country store, keeping for sale about
every thing the housekecper or farmer
can need to purchase; and the store
which he had opened, on his own hook,
was of the same character. An aged
aunt had done much toward helping
him in the outset, so that he might be-
gin business with his head above board.
There, Seth; take that, and make
the very best use of it you cam" the
good old lady said, at the same time
giving to her nephew check for a
large amount-large for her; and large
for him-a check of four figures, and
the first figure was not one. you
are going to New York to purchase
goodp"
Eyes, aunt, wish to make my own
selection. And, further, to tell the
truth, / want to see the elephant.
Don't be alarmed. He's very inno-
cent animal, I assure you. use the
term fguratively, simply meaning that
will see few of the sights as my own
master, with nobody at my elbow to
tell me what / must do, or where
must 60. I fancy it will be rather
pleasant"
"Seth, you will take care of your
self. You will not allow your feet to
stray into any of the snares and pit
falls which evil-minded men are ever
ready to set and dig for the unwary.
You will be careful"
you bet! Aunt Patience, YOU 70 n
trump; and / know you mean we'll.
You would d. any thing for me, l do
believe; and i can't wonder that you
should feel bit anxious; but don't you
worry-not one bit. Dear aunty, let
me tell you l have cut my eye-teeth
The man that can raise a hand on me
isn't up and about, not quite yet"
What dye mean, Seth, by 'raisin' a
hand on youP"
80, that is technical term, aunt,
signifying to take one into pull wool
over ones eyes; but do you be perfect
ly easy"
From this it will be seen that Seth
had travelled somewhat outside the
boundary of his Sabbath-school; and
whether he had associated with sport
ing characters, or not, their language
had become familiar to him. One 9TH
er thing will be seen: If Seth was
smart, nobody had n firmer faith in the
fact than he had himself.
On n Monday morning, bright and
early, Seth looked to be sure that his
check was safe in his pocket-book; then
he took out the bank-notes that lay in
another parting, and ran them over, to
make sure that all was right. Eight
hundred dollars. That was the sum
he had put in there on Saturday, and he
found it intact. The book was put
away in deep breast-pocket of his
vest, and buttoned snugly up. His
money for current expenses he carried
in small wallet, in a pocket of his
pants. He was too old bird-had GU,
too much eye-tooth-to expose a large
amount Of money in public or on the
road.
Seth Applebee landed in New York
on the North river side, just at close OF
day, and taking his light grip-sack in
his hand, he shouldered and elbowet
the swarming Jehus out of his path
and made his way on foot to the hote
where he had stopped two years before
while on visit to the city with his EN-
ploycr.
His memory was good, and he hat
no trouble. The house was just as h,
had last seen it, and the genial LANDLORD
received him most kindly. In fact
Seth fancicd the man was special,
glad to see him. He evidently remem
bered him, and was proud of his pat
ronage. If he was not, then his ever,
word and act belied him.
Seth took the key of his room. ant
went up with porter to the fifth floor
1t was very high up; but what view
he would have In the morning!
After supper Seth sat down and tool
mp an evening paper. He thought HI
would look for the places of amuse
ment within easy reach. He was thu
engaged when he became aware tina
somebody had come up and stopped
directly in front of him. He locke,
up, and saw neatly dressed, business
looking man, of middle age, with a fac
winsome and handsome. The tw
!, eyes, from behind pair of gold
Z trimmed glasses, looked ut him sweetly
j with a warm, kindly smile playin
9 around them.
o Am I addressing Mr. Applebee, @
!, Pumptonp"
a Seth did not intend to be imposes
= upon. Not he! He would have n
IS sharpers picking him up.
a That's my name, SIR" he replied
!, crisply, giving the man cool, almo.
, q contemptuous look.
= 81 was sure of it," the gentlema
), went on, taking no notice of the II
!, tended repulse. "And am sure .
i another thing: saw you here tw
II years ago. Am not rightP"
Seth was really surprised. He di
not know the man had been nes
: enough TO overhear him when he ha
mentioned to the host the circumstane
of his former visit.
Certainly, sir. 1 was here tw
years ago."
!. 80 was l. At that time l was IL
Ing in Albany; but a year ago / r
moved to this city, where / have esta
ltshed good business. II you al
thinking Of purchasing goods, ye